Guide For Moving With An Aging Dog

A move can be stressful for all family members involved in moving house. Our four legged friends also suffer the same problem, especially if your pet is already old. Elderly dogs are less likely to adapt to changes, this explains why a move can be more stressful for older animals. However, that doesn’t mean that your dogs have to suffer when you move house because there are several steps that you can do to make the experience less pleasant.

Prepare the elderly dog for the move

The dog is an animal of habits, as a pet owner, be sure to know your pet’s routines around the house and with the family members. The movements of suitcases, the comings, and goings of cardboard boxes that occupy the whole house and the movement of furniture, books and other personal belongings do not go unnoticed by the old dog. This explains why you may feel uneasy, even before the move has begun.

Elderly dogs are worse suited to changes and a move may be difficult for them. You must pay attention to the old dog’s sense of security. This is one of the cautions that should be taken when moving house. A safe and quiet room should be provided for the senior dog, as far away as possible from the movement of objects and boxes. Do not forget that the dog will need to have fresh water and food in that temporary shelter.

Some special pampering can also help the animal to forget (at least in part) the noise and drastic change of the house. Your dog’s favorite cushion and toys have to accompany the dog during those days in your room. Keep your dog’s routine and meal times. Do not neglect attentions, their daily walks, and games to prevent the dog from feeling forgotten or lost.

Make sure the dog is comfortable on the day of the trip

During the transfer, you should let the dog have the same favorite objects you have had in your room during the preparation of the move. You should also continue the pampering, caressing and kind words.

Remember that the dog must travel in a suitable carrier so that you can watch for your dog’s safety and well-being during the journey. The carrier should, as a general rule, be so broad as to allow the dog to stand up and stretch its legs during the journey. Use blankets to improve comfort for the duration of the trip.

Prepare a warm and comfortable place in the new home

An old dog who has just arrived at a new home may manifest his bewilderment with some infrequent behaviors in him so far. It is not strange that a senior can suffer the anxiety syndrome after the transfer. Increasing its bark, damaging the furniture or defecating inside the house are other possible symptoms of stress in the elderly animal after the move.

The older animal quickly detects routine changes and may feel uneasy even before the transfer has begun. Providing a warm and comfortable place, with its usual bed, is a way to reassure the elderly dog. Let the dog use his old food and drink containers, as well as being surrounded by his toys, can be a key part of the process of adapting the old dog to his new home.
Above all, the animal needs the owner. Do not neglect the pampering towards your friend and he will recover as soon as possible.